Departments & Services
Explore the 11 technical departments and essential services delivered by Kumbo Council across all 42 villages of Bui Division, North West Cameroon.
Secretary General's Office
Coordinates all technical departments, ensures administrative regularity and legal compliance of council acts, and acts as rapporteur for the deliberative organ.
Mandate
The Secretary General's Office is the administrative hub of Kumbo Council. The Secretary General, appointed under the authority of the Mayor, coordinates all technical departments, ensures that every administrative act of the Council is procedurally regular and legally compliant, and serves as rapporteur to the Council Plenary. The Office oversees staff management, internal correspondence, archiving, and the proper functioning of the municipal secretariat.
Services Offered
- Coordination and supervision of all technical departments
- Review and certification of administrative acts for legal compliance
- Official correspondence, filing, and archiving
- Human resources administration for Council staff
- Preparation of Council Plenary sessions (agenda, dossiers, minutes)
- Certification of true copies of official documents
- Reception and routing of citizen petitions, complaints, and correspondence
Procedures
Certified Copy of an Official Document
- Submit a written request to the Secretariat specifying the document required and purpose.
- The Secretariat verifies the document is held on record.
- A certified true copy is prepared and stamped with the official Council seal.
- Collect the document at the Secretariat counter within 3 working days.
Submission of a Formal Complaint or Petition
- Address your written complaint or petition to the Secretary General at the Council Secretariat, Tobin.
- The Secretariat acknowledges receipt and assigns a reference number.
- The matter is routed to the relevant department for response or action.
- You are notified of the outcome within 10 working days.
Fees: Certified copies and correspondence services are provided free of charge.
Contact Officer
Secretary General
All correspondence and administrative requests should be addressed to the Secretary General's Office at the Council Secretariat.
Contact the SecretariatMunicipal Treasury
MINFI-posted Accounting Officer who independently verifies all payment orders before funds are released, bearing personal financial liability for every payment.
The 'Golden Rule' of Public Finance
The Municipal Treasury operates under Personal Financial Liability. The Treasurer bears personal pecuniary responsibility for every payment authorised — the office is legally obliged to refuse any irregular order, regardless of mayoral instruction. This separation of ordonnancement (mayoral authorisation) and accounting (Treasury payment) is the fundamental safeguard of public funds under Cameroonian law.
Mandate & Governance
The Municipal Treasurer, a MINFI-posted Accounting Officer, independently verifies all payment orders against the approved budget and ensures "service rendered" before any funds are released. The Treasury functions as a joint-authority node where state-level financial discipline meets local governance — constitutionally and legally distinct from the Mayor's executive authority.
Services Offered
Financial Control & Disbursement
Independent verification and processing of all Council payment orders to ensure legal compliance and budget availability.
Revenue Collection
Centralised collection of property taxes, business licences (Patentes), market levies, and other statutory dues.
Fiscal Certification
Issuance of official payment receipts and Tax Clearance Certificates (Attestation de Non-Redevance).
Accounting & Fiduciary Oversight
Maintenance of municipal accounts, liquidity management, and production of financial reports for MINFI and oversight bodies.
Commercial Registration
Processing of business licence registrations and annual renewals in accordance with the General Tax Code.
Procedures
AProperty Tax Payment
- 1.Assessment: Contact the Municipal Treasury in Tobin to obtain your annual assessment notice (due by 31 May each year).
- 2.Validation: Verify the assessed amount with the Treasurer's office to ensure alignment with the current tax roll.
- 3.Settlement: Make payment directly at the Treasury counter.
- 4.Proof of Payment: Collect your official stamped receipt. Always retain this receipt — it is your primary legal proof of fiscal compliance.
BBusiness Licence (New Registration & Renewal)
- 1.Submission: Visit the Treasury with proof of commercial activity (business name, nature, and location).
- 2.Registration: Complete the municipal business registration form.
- 3.Payment: Pay the applicable licence fee based on your business category.
- 4.Issuance: Collect your Business Licence. Annual renewal deadline: 31 March.
CTax Clearance Certificate
- 1.Request: Submit a written request to the Municipal Treasurer specifying the period for which clearance is sought.
- 2.Verification: The Treasury conducts a comprehensive audit of the municipal books to ensure all dues are settled.
- 3.Collection: If compliant, the certificate is issued within 5 working days.
Schedule of Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Property Tax | Individually assessed per General Tax Code |
| Business Licence | Based on business category schedule |
| Tax Clearance Certificate | Free |
| Official Receipt Copy | Free |
Contact Officer
Municipal Treasurer
Visit the Municipal Treasury at the Council Secretariat, Tobin, during opening hours for all revenue and licensing matters.
Contact the TreasuryCivil Status & Registration
Issues birth, marriage, and death certificates for all residents. Deploys mobile registration teams to serve all 42 villages.
Mandate
The Department of Civil Status and Registration is mandated to record, certify, and maintain all vital events — births, marriages, and deaths — occurring within the Kumbo Municipal Area, in accordance with Ordinance No. 81/02 on Civil Status in Cameroon. It ensures that every resident has access to the legal identity documentation required for education, healthcare, property rights, and civic participation. Mobile registration teams deploy to all 42 villages in the municipality to reach residents who cannot access the Council Secretariat directly.
Services Offered
- Birth certificates — new registration
- Birth certificates — replacement (lost/destroyed)
- Marriage certificates
- Death certificates
- Mobile civil registration outreach to all 42 villages
Procedures
ABirth Certificate — New Registration
- 1.Declaration: Present the hospital birth notification or traditional birth attendant declaration at the Civil Status Registry, Council Secretariat, Tobin.
- 2.Identity: Submit National Identity Card copies of both parents (or legal guardians).
- 3.Registration: The civil registrar records the birth in the official register.
- 4.Issuance: The birth certificate is issued on the same visit or within 24 hours.
BBirth Certificate — Replacement / Lost
- 1.Court Judgement: Obtain a declarative judgement from the Bui High Court confirming the birth and loss of the original document.
- 2.Submission: Present the judgement together with National Identity Card copies of two witnesses at the Registry.
- 3.Issuance: The replacement certificate is issued upon verification.
CMarriage Certificate
- 1.Attendance: Both parties present at the Registry with the officiant certificate or traditional marriage attestation.
- 2.Identity: Submit National Identity Card copies of both parties and two witnesses.
- 3.Issuance: The certificate is issued at the Secretariat upon registration.
DDeath Certificate
- 1.Documentation: Present a medical certificate of death or a Chief's attestation (for deaths outside a health facility).
- 2.Issuance: Submit at the Registry for recording and issuance.
Mobile outreach: Civil registration teams visit all 42 villages periodically. Listen to Bui Community Radio or contact the Secretariat for current schedules.
Fees
All civil status documents are issued free of charge.
⚠️ Unofficial charges are not authorised. Report any payment request to the Secretary General.
Contact Officer
Civil Status Registrar
Department of Civil Status and Registration
No prior appointment is required. Visit the Civil Status Registry at the Council Secretariat, Tobin.
Contact the RegistryCouncil Development Office
Links community-identified priorities to development partners. Manages CDP implementation, partnerships coordination, and investment facilitation.
Mandate
The Community Development Office is mandated to drive the implementation of Kumbo Council's long-term development vision as expressed in the Council Development Plan (CDP). It serves as the primary interface between community-identified priorities and development partners — including national government programmes (PNDP, FEICOM, PROLOG/World Bank) and international cooperation partners. The CDO manages investment facilitation, coordinates development finance mobilisation, and monitors programme delivery against CDP targets.
Services Offered
- Coordination and periodic review of the Council Development Plan (CDP)
- Liaison with FEICOM, PNDP, World Bank PROLOG, and international development partners
- Investment facilitation and development finance mobilisation support
- Community development project design and funding proposal support
- Socio-economic data and investment climate information for businesses and investors
- Monitoring and evaluation of CDP programme implementation
Procedures
ACDP Input / Community Development Request
- 1.Submission: Submit a written request or community petition to the CDO at the Council Secretariat describing the priority, location, and estimated beneficiaries.
- 2.Review: The CDO schedules a technical review within 15 working days.
- 3.Assessment: Requests are assessed against CDP priorities and budget availability.
- 4.Notification: The community is notified of the outcome and indicative timeline.
BInvestment or Partnership Enquiry
- 1.Written Enquiry: Address your enquiry in writing to the Head of CDO, Council Secretariat.
- 2.Acknowledgement: The CDO acknowledges receipt within 2 working days and arranges a briefing or routes the enquiry to the Mayor's Office.
Fees: Advisory, information, and CDP consultation services are provided free of charge.
Contact Officer
Head of Community Development Office
Development project enquiries, CDP submissions, and investment enquiries should be directed to the CDO.
Contact the CDOTown Planning & Urban Development
Issues building permits, conducts site inspections, and ensures compliance with urban planning and construction standards.
Building Permit Requirement
All new construction within the municipality — including extensions — requires a Building Permit issued by this department following site inspection. Construction without a valid Building Permit is an offence under Cameroonian urban planning law.
Mandate
The Department of Town Planning and Urban Development is mandated to regulate construction and land use within the Kumbo Municipal Area to ensure orderly urban development, structural safety, and compliance with national planning standards. It issues building permits, conducts pre-construction site inspections, and enforces planning regulations in coordination with the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing (MINHDU).
Services Offered
- Issuance of building permits for all new construction within the municipality
- Site inspections for construction compliance
- Urban planning advice and land use guidance
- Enforcement of construction and planning standards
- Input to infrastructure and development planning processes
Procedures
ABuilding Permit Application
- 1.Application Form: Obtain the Building Permit application form from the Town Planning Department at the Council Secretariat.
- 2.Document Submission: Submit the completed form with: site plan, architectural drawings, land title or occupancy documentation, and the technical clearance note from the Engineering Department.
- 3.Site Inspection: Town Planning conducts a site inspection within 10 working days.
- 4.Permit Issuance: The building permit is issued upon satisfactory inspection and document review.
- 5.Commencement: Construction may commence only after the permit is received.
Fees
Building permit fees are applied in accordance with the national schedule. Contact Town Planning for the applicable fee based on construction type and floor area.
Contact Officer
Head of Town Planning and Urban Development
All building permit applications and planning enquiries should be submitted to the Town Planning Department at the Council Secretariat.
Apply for a Building PermitCivil Engineering & Public Works
Plans, executes, and supervises road construction, bridge works, and public infrastructure projects across the municipality.
Mandate
The Department of Civil Engineering and Public Works is mandated to plan, execute, and supervise all municipal infrastructure investment including road construction and rehabilitation, bridge works, drainage systems, and public buildings across the Kumbo Municipal Area. It implements the infrastructure component of the Council Development Plan and prioritises farm-to-market roads that directly support rural livelihoods. Current focus areas include Nkuv, Kiyan, and Melim. The Department also provides technical clearances required for building permit applications processed by Town Planning.
Services Offered
- Planning and supervision of municipal road construction and rehabilitation
- Bridge construction and maintenance
- Drainage and erosion control infrastructure
- Construction and maintenance of public buildings and market facilities
- Farm-to-market road prioritisation and rural access improvement
- Technical assessment for building permit applications (structural and drainage compliance)
- Infrastructure needs assessment for community requests
Procedures
ACommunity Infrastructure Request
- 1.Submission: Submit a written request to the Municipal Engineer at the Council Secretariat, describing the infrastructure need, location, and number of beneficiaries.
- 2.Assessment: The Department conducts a site assessment within 15 working days.
- 3.Review: The request is assessed against CDP priorities and budget availability.
- 4.Notification: The community is notified of the outcome and indicative timeline.
BTechnical Clearance for Building Permits
- 1.Submission: Submit building plans to the Engineering Department as part of the permit application (see Town Planning & Urban Development).
- 2.Assessment: The Municipal Engineer assesses structural and drainage compliance.
- 3.Clearance: A technical clearance note is issued to Town Planning for permit processing.
Fees: Community infrastructure services are publicly funded. No direct charge applies to requests. Building permit technical assessments are covered under the building permit fee structure.
Contact Officer
Municipal Engineer
Department of Civil Engineering and Public Works
Submit infrastructure requests in writing to the Municipal Engineer at the Council Secretariat.
Submit an Infrastructure RequestFinance & Revenue
Manages the municipal budget, property tax collection, business licence registration, and financial reporting to oversight bodies.
Mandate
The Finance and Revenue Department manages the preparation and execution of Kumbo Council's annual municipal budget, oversees all revenue collection systems, administers business licensing, manages municipal market operations through the Market Master, and produces financial reports for submission to oversight bodies including MINFI, the Regional Audit Board, and the Council Plenary. It works in close coordination with the Municipal Treasury and operates within the OHADA public accounting framework.
Services Offered
- Municipal budget preparation and execution monitoring
- Property tax administration and collection coordination
- Business licence registration and renewal
- Collection of market levies and other municipal dues
- Market stall allocation and management (administered by the Market Master)
- Financial reporting to oversight bodies
- Revenue compliance advisory for traders and enterprises
Procedures
AProperty Tax — Payment and Assessment
- 1.Assessment: Contact Finance & Revenue at the Secretariat to receive your annual assessment (due 31 May).
- 2.Payment: Pay at the Municipal Treasury counter and retain the official receipt.
BBusiness Licence — Annual Renewal
- 1.Visit: Visit Finance & Revenue with your current licence and proof of continued activity.
- 2.Payment: Pay the applicable renewal fee. Deadline: 31 March each year.
- 3.Issuance: The renewed licence is issued on the same day.
CMarket Stall Allocation Request
- 1.Application: Submit an application in writing to the Market Master, Finance & Revenue Department, Council Secretariat.
- 2.Review: The Market Master reviews availability in the relevant market — Mbveh Main Market or the satellite markets at Njavnyuy, Bamkikai, Kimbo Squares, Mbah, and Shisong.
- 3.Confirmation: Allocation is confirmed in writing by the Market Master, subject to payment of applicable market dues at the Municipal Treasury.
DMarket Levy Payment
- 1.Payment: Traders pay applicable daily or periodic market levies to the Market Master at the point of collection.
- 2.Receipt: Official market receipts are issued for all payments. Retain receipts as proof of compliance for any inspection.
Schedule of Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Property Tax | Individually assessed |
| Business Licence (new) | By business category |
| Business Licence (renewal) | By business category |
| Market Stall Allocation | Per approved market dues schedule |
| Market Levy | Per approved market dues schedule |
| Compliance Copy / Receipt | Free |
Head of Finance & Revenue
Market Master
For market stall allocation and levy matters.
Procurement & Contracts
Administers public procurement under Decree No. 2018/366. Manages the ITB secretariat and SIGAMP real-time contract registration.
ARMP Compliant · SIGAMP Registered
All procurement at Kumbo Council is governed by Decree No. 2018/366 on Public Contracts. Every contract above the applicable threshold is registered in real time in SIGAMP and subject to MINMAP oversight and concurrent controls.
Mandate
The Procurement & Contracts Department administers all public procurement of goods, services, and works for Kumbo Council in accordance with Decree No. 2018/366. It manages the Internal Tenders Board (ITB) secretariat, ensures compliance with ARMP requirements, and registers all awarded contracts in the SIGAMP real-time national procurement tracking system. All contracts above applicable thresholds are subject to review by the relevant Divisional Contracts Committee.
Services Offered
- Publication and management of tenders and Invitations to Bid (ITBs)
- Supplier registration and pre-qualification
- Tender dossier preparation and distribution
- Management of the bid evaluation process
- Contract award notification and SIGAMP registration
- Procurement compliance documentation for auditors and oversight bodies
Procedures
ASupplier Registration
- 1.Submission: Submit a completed supplier registration form with: business registration certificate, tax clearance certificate, and relevant technical credentials.
- 2.Review: The Department reviews and confirms registration within 10 working days.
- 3.Notification: Registered suppliers are notified of relevant tender opportunities as they arise.
BResponding to a Tender / ITB
- 1.Dossier Collection: Obtain the tender dossier from the Procurement Department upon publication of an ITB notice. Notices are also posted at the Council Secretariat notice board, Tobin.
- 2.Bid Preparation: Prepare your bid in strict accordance with the dossier specifications and submission deadline.
- 3.Award: Bids are opened publicly on the date specified. Award decisions are communicated in writing and registered in SIGAMP.
Oversight Mechanisms
Internal Tenders Board (ITB)
Evaluates bids independently according to published criteria. Independent observers attend procurements above threshold. Subject to MINMAP concurrent and ex-post controls.
SIGAMP Registration
All Kumbo Council contracts are registered in the national SIGAMP platform by the Council's designated focal point — creating an auditable digital record of every award in real time.
Fees: Tender dossiers may carry a non-refundable purchase fee as specified per ITB. Supplier registration is free of charge.
Contact Officer
Procurement Officer
Procurement & Contracts Department
All supplier registrations and procurement enquiries should be directed to the Procurement & Contracts Department.
Register as a SupplierHygiene, Environment & Sanitation
Coordinates household waste collection, sanitation inspections, environmental protection, and public health awareness campaigns.
Keeping Kumbo Clean — A Shared Responsibility
Household waste collection operates twice weekly in urban areas. Residents are asked to use provided bins and to avoid waste disposal in drainage channels and public spaces. Environmental protection is a civic duty shared by every resident and business.
Mandate
The Department of Hygiene, Environment and Sanitation is mandated to protect the health and environmental quality of the Kumbo Municipal Area through direct service delivery and regulatory enforcement. Its functions encompass household waste collection, routine sanitation inspections of food establishments, markets, and public spaces, environmental protection monitoring, and public health awareness campaigns — conducted in coordination with the Bui Divisional Delegation of Public Health and relevant national agencies.
Services Offered
- Household waste collection (urban Kumbo — twice weekly)
- Sanitation inspections of food establishments, markets, and public spaces
- Environmental health assessments for business and building permits
- Issuance of hygiene certificates for food handlers and traders
- Public health awareness campaigns (malaria, cholera, water hygiene, waste management)
- Environmental protection monitoring and incident reporting
- Coordination of community clean-up initiatives
Procedures
AHousehold Waste Collection (Urban Residents)
- 1.Bins: Use the designated Council waste bins provided to your household.
- 2.Collection Days: Place bins at the roadside on scheduled collection days (twice weekly — schedule available at the Secretariat and Bui Community Radio).
- 3.Compliance: Do not dispose of waste in drainage channels, roadsides, or public spaces.
- 4.Issues: Report missed collections or damaged bins to the Department.
Keeping Kumbo clean is a shared civic responsibility.
BHygiene Certificate — Traders and Food Handlers
- 1.Briefing: Attend a hygiene briefing conducted by the Department (schedules announced at the Secretariat and Mbveh Main Market).
- 2.Assessment: Complete the basic food hygiene assessment.
- 3.Certificate: Collect your hygiene certificate, valid for one year. Annual renewal requires the refresher session.
CSanitation Inspection
Businesses are subject to routine inspections. Non-compliance results in a written improvement notice, followed by a formal enforcement order if not remedied within the specified period.
All services provided free of charge.
All waste management and public health services are publicly funded. Hygiene certificates for traders are issued at no charge.
Public Health Campaigns
Malaria Prevention
Community education on mosquito control, net use, and early symptom recognition — in coordination with the Bui Divisional Health Delegation.
Cholera & Water Hygiene
Awareness campaigns on safe water handling, treatment, and sanitation — particularly in high-risk periods following heavy rains.
Waste Management
Regular door-to-door outreach in market areas and residential zones on proper disposal practices and the environmental cost of open dumping.
Community Clean-Up Days
Mobilisation of residents across all 42 villages for periodic clean-up events in partnership with VDCs and traditional authorities.
Contact Officer
Municipal Hygiene and Sanitation Officer
Department of Hygiene, Environment and Sanitation
Report sanitation concerns, missed collections, or environmental incidents to the Department.
Report a ConcernTransport
Manages the municipal vehicle fleet and transport logistics for official Council operations and service delivery.
Mandate
The Transport Department manages the municipal vehicle fleet, coordinates transport logistics for official Council operations and field service delivery, and liaises with national transport authorities on road safety and public transport matters affecting the municipality. It supports all departments requiring field access for project supervision, community outreach, and service delivery.
Services Offered
- Management and scheduling of Council vehicles for official operations
- Transport logistics for field service delivery (civil registration outreach, engineering inspection, health campaigns, etc.)
- Coordination with the Ministry of Transport and Bui Divisional Delegation on road safety
- Registration and coordination of commercial transport operators within the municipality
- Road safety awareness campaigns in coordination with relevant authorities
Procedures
AOfficial Vehicle Request (Council Departments)
- 1.Advance Request: Submit a vehicle request form to the Transport Department at least 48 hours in advance, specifying purpose, destination, and duration.
- 2.Confirmation: The Department confirms availability and allocates a vehicle in accordance with operational priorities.
- 3.Log Entry: The requesting officer signs the vehicle log on departure and return.
BCommercial Transport Operator Registration
- 1.Documentation: Submit proof of vehicle registration, roadworthiness certificate, and driver's licence to the Transport Department.
- 2.Route Declaration: Declare your route or operating zone within the municipality.
- 3.Confirmation: Receive municipal transport registration confirmation within 5 working days.
Fees
Council vehicle use is for official operations only — no public charge applies. Commercial operator registration fees: contact the Transport Department for the applicable schedule.
Contact Officer
Transport Officer
Transport Department
Transport operator registrations and road safety enquiries should be directed to the Transport Department.
Contact TransportCommunications & Public Relations
Manages external communications, official events and ceremonies, media relations, and the Council's digital presence.
Mandate
The Department of Communication and Public Relations manages all official communications of Kumbo Council, coordinates official events and state ceremonies, maintains media relations, and oversees the Council's digital presence including the official website. It operates under the direct authority of the Mayor's Office and serves as the primary interface between the Council and the public, media organisations, and external partners. All official public information, press releases, and partnership communications are routed through this department.
Services Offered
- Management of the official Kumbo Council website and digital channels
- Preparation and distribution of press releases and public notices
- Media coordination for Council events and public announcements
- Coordination of official ceremonies and protocol events
- Responses to press and public enquiries
- Photography and documentation of official Council activities
- Routing of partnership and external engagement enquiries to the Mayor's Office
Procedures
APress / Media Enquiry
- 1.Submission: Submit your enquiry in writing to the Communication & Public Relations Department, identifying your media organisation and the information sought.
- 2.Acknowledgement: The Department acknowledges your enquiry within 2 working days.
- 3.Response: A substantive response is provided, or the enquiry is referred to the relevant department, within 5 working days.
BPartnership or External Engagement Enquiry
- 1.Submission: Address your enquiry in writing to the Communication & Public Relations Department, marked for the attention of the Mayor's Office.
- 2.Routing & Confirmation: The Department routes the enquiry appropriately and confirms receipt within 2 working days.
COfficial Public Notice (Internal — for Council Departments)
- 1.Advance Submission: Requesting departments submit draft notices to Communication & Public Relations with at least 3 working days' lead time.
- 2.Review & Publication: The Department reviews for accuracy and alignment with Council communications standards before publication or distribution.
Fees: All communication and public information services are provided at no charge.
Department Functions
Digital Presence
Maintains the official Kumbo Council website, social media channels, and digital public notice systems.
Press & Media
Prepares and distributes press releases, coordinates media access to official events and senior officials.
Protocol & Events
Coordinates official ceremonies, state visits, and protocol for high-level Council engagements.
Documentation
Photographs and documents all official Council activities, maintaining the institutional record.
Contact Officer
Communication & Public Relations Officer
Mayor's Office, Kumbo Council
Media enquiries, partnership requests, and public information requests should be directed to Communication & Public Relations.
Contact CommunicationsNeed Assistance?
Our team is available Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Contact us and we will be happy to help.